‘Away From Home’ takes on another taboo – the premier league- in the Players Theatre at Trinity College. This well-produced one man show reveals the secrets of complex masculinity in ‘the beautiful game’ in a seemingly honest portrayal of contemporary sporting life.
Kyle is a complicated young man, rebellious and leading a double-life as an escort, comfortable enough in his own skin. He socialises with the ‘lads’ at the soccer games but services the lads on his client list. Hartsthorn-Hook Productions and Working Progress Theatre Company (UK) present a revealing drama which tackles homophobia in football both internal and group, in a very frank way. Kyle (Rob Ward) is a deserved star of one man show theatre. He is handsome, energetic and totally convincing as the desirable young escort who finds himself ‘crossing the line’ with a famous client.
Writers Martin Jameson (director) and Rob Ward unpack the hidden side of soccer from supporter to player which has strict boundaries between ‘laddishness’ and affection. The play does slightly over-egg the issues near the end, but it is Ward’s completeness in the role that drives the play forward with an honesty and struggle for truth and acceptance. It unpeels the layers of protection of the insisted machismo of throwing your arms around each others in supportive joy when your team scores, to the pub banter that is often offensive to the guy you have your arm around in celebration. Kyle’s separation of all aspects of his life is a precarious balance between telling the family he works with friends and vice versa. It all comes crashing down when love intervenes in an impossible scenario of clashing careers, publicity and fear. The charismatic playing engages the audience from the start and puts this performance truly into the premier league. It is sexy, honest, energetic and convincing throughout and will appeal to soccer supporters, players or anyone who finds love in an unexpected place. Showing in Players Theatre, Trinity College (Through Main Gate, veer left three blocks) at 9pm nightly and 4pm on Saturday.
Festival Review Team
